Aug 1, 2015 - The same care is expected of any school equipment or .... notify the office by phone or note prior to the
Student / Parent Handbook Form Important – This form must be signed by a parent/guardian and student. Please return this form to the school. I have read and understand the information printed in the 2015-2016 Student / Parent Handbook. Student Name (Please Print): ___________________________________________________________
Student Signature; __________________________________________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________________
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Pleasant Hill High School 2015-2016 Student Handbook Daily Schedule 1st 7:35 – 8:20 2nd 8:25 – 9:15 3rd 9:20 – 10:05 th 4 10:10 – 10:55 5th 11:00 – 12:03 A 11:00 – 11:19 B 11:22 - 11:41 C 11:44 – 12:03 6th 12:08 – 12:53 7th 12:58 – 1:43 th 8 1:48– 2:33
Three Hour Early Release Schedule 1st 7:35 – 8:04 nd 2 8:09 – 8:39 3rd 8:44- 9:13 4th 9:18 – 9:47 5th 9:52 – 10:22 6th 10:27 – 10:56 7th 11:01– 11:33
Academic Dishonesty
The definition of academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, cheating, and any attempt to obtain credit for academic work through fraudulent, deceptive, or dishonest means. Some examples of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to: 1. Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise. 2. Submitting work previously submitted in another course without the consent of the instructor. 3. Representing the words, ideas, or work of another as one's own in any academic exercise (including works obtained from internet sources). 4. Conducting any act that defrauds the academic process. 5. Academic dishonesty in any form is a grave offense and will not be tolerated. Actions by students found to fall under this definition will be considered as a conduct violation under the school's code of conduct and consequences will be assigned accordingly. In addition, students who willfully engage in academic dishonesty will be assigned a score of “0” for the assignment on which the academic dishonesty took place.
Academic Letter
Academic letters will be awarded to students who meet the following guidelines: 1. Must be enrolled in six credit hours of graded classes. 2. Must maintain a 3.5 G.P.A. (weighted classes included) for the entire year (two semesters). 3. Letters will be presented to each student during the fall of the following school year with the exception of seniors who will receive their letter at graduation. In order for a senior to receive a letter at graduation, he/she must earn a letter during his/her senior year and be in attendance the entire year.
Accessibility Notice
Although certain Pleasant Hill School facilities are not fully physically accessible to handicapped persons, the district will take such means as are necessary to ensure that no qualified handicapped person is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in or otherwise subjected to discrimination because Pleasant Hill facilities are physically inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons. If you wish to obtain information about the existence and location of service, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact the High School Principal, at 540-3111 or One Rooster Way, Pleasant Hill, MO 64080.
Activities
A handbook has been written to inform students and parents what will be expected of them as representatives of Pleasant Hill High School. This handbook includes the philosophy, objectives, eligibility standards and general rules of activity participation. Each participant is required to read these regulations thoroughly and to abide by them at all times. The administration is charged by the MSHSAA not to allow poor sportsmanship, and they will enforce guidelines for appropriate behavior.
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Activities, General Regulations 1. 2.
3. 4. 5.
6.
No club shall hold any type of meeting without the presence of its sponsor. No student shall be president of two clubs. A class office is not considered a club under these regulations. Because of added responsibilities, the presidents of Student Council and National Honor Society must be in attendance during the entire school day and year. This means that students who enroll in Cass Career Center or C.O.E. are ineligible to hold a presidency in either of these two organizations. Because of the amount of class time missed, students running for student council representative, class president or a student council office must have and maintain a 2.50 cumulative G.P.A. No club shall hold any meeting at a time or place not regularly scheduled without the approval of the sponsor and permission from the office. No masking or scotch tape will be used to hang anything on wood doors or lockers (inside or out). A special tape has been purchased and may be secured from the office. Masking tape must be used on all block walls. No posters or advertisements shall be placed in any teacher's room without that teacher's permission. All posters and advertising must be approved by the principal before they can be displayed in the hall or foyer. The organization should remove all advertisements as soon as the event is over. No student will be allowed to participate in an extracurricular activity or organizational function on the day they are not in attendance for a minimum of four classroom hours unless they obtain prior permission from an administrator. This same rule applies to a weekend activity when students are absent on the last day of school preceding the activity.
Address Changes
If a student moves during the summer or while school is in session, it is the student's responsibility to report the change immediately to guidance office.
Admission to Athletic Events
Varsity Events (excluding tournaments): Students - $3.00 9th & Junior Varsity Events: Students - $2.00
Adults - $4.00 Adults - $3.00
Assemblies
It is extremely important that our student body show respect for whoever may be presenting the assembly (student, faculty member or a guest speaker who has been invited to our school). Improper conduct at assemblies may result in the student's being: 1. Banned from further participation in assemblies. Length of banning will be dependent upon severity and previous discipline problems. 2. Disciplined in accordance to the severity of the incident. 3. Any student who objects to the assembly may be excused by the principal and assigned elsewhere during the program. Pep assemblies are planned under the direction of the Activities Director and Student Council Sponsor. We feel that Pep Assemblies should help promote SCHOOL SPIRIT and not just TEAM SPIRIT; therefore they should inspire not only the participants of the games but the entire student body. This is your school. If you don't get involved, we lose power and pride. You are a key person in our quest to reach our potential. Come on and get involved. It's fun!
Attendance
Good school attendance is an important part of each student's high school record and has a direct relationship to success in school. Expectation of regular and punctual attendance is necessary for students to develop self-discipline and responsibility. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are considered more desirable employees after leaving high school. Therefore, the following guidelines will be used to encourage good attendance and discourage chronic absenteeism: 1. Students will be allowed to be absent nine (9) schools days or (72) hours per semester with a parental excuse. If a student exceeds the nine-day limit, he/she will have credit withheld. Full credit can be issued after the student attends one semester of summer school or credit recovery for the hours during the semester in which the student missed more than the allotted time. The maximum time a student would be allowed to recover in summer school is five (5) days or (40) hours. Students who habitually miss one class within a day, but not the whole day, will be allowed to be absent nine (9) class hours per semester with a parental excuse. If a student exceeds the nine-hour limit, he/she will not have credit withheld for that period. Full credit can be issued after the student attends one semester of summer school or credit recovery for the hours during the semester in which the student missed more than the allotted time. 2. Days that do not count toward the nine-day limit are as follows: a. school-sponsored or sanctioned activities;
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b.
doctor or dental excuses presented to the principal within five school days of the actual visit; c. an unusual hardship as approved by the principal. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES: *Upon reaching the sixth (6th) absence in a semester, the principal shall notify parents with a letter stating that the student has missed six (6) days. A summary of the attendance policy shall be included. *After exceeding the ninth (9th) absence, the principal will send a letter to the parents notifying them that credit will be withheld. * Students/parents may appeal loss of credit to the PHHS attendance committee. * Incentives for perfect attendance* will be awarded 1st Semester, and 2nd Semester and full year. Incentives will also be given for good attendance, grades and behavior. * Perfect attendance is defined as being in attendance seven (7) class periods per day for the entire academic year or as excused by the principal. Students will be allowed a total of three hours to secure a driver's license without being counted absent. * An appeals procedure for this policy can be found in Board Policy. As with any absence, absences due to an out-of-school suspension may result in the student earning a lower grade in accordance with the district’s policy on absences.
Attendance and Tardy Clarifications
Anytime a student needs to be absent from school, the parents need to inform the school (preferably by phone) that their son/daughter will not be in attendance. If this is not possible, the attendance office will either call the parents at work or accept a note the first day upon the student's return. 1. RE-ADMITTANCE PROCEDURE a. Parents must call or send a note for re-admittance of their child to school as a result of an absence. If a note is sent, it must be submitted to the office on the day of the student's return. b. Unexcused - If a student was absent without his/her parents' knowledge, the student will be considered truant and be considered unexcused for the time missed. If a student has been absent and doesn't comply with a. (above), he/she will receive a "0" in all classes missed during the. A telephone call or note will still be required prior to admittance the following day. 2. JUSTIFIED ABSENCES are those that fall into one of these areas: a. Illness of the student. b. Serious illness or death in the family. c. Emergencies calling for the student to be needed at home. d. Unusual hardship situations (requires approval by the principal) e. Doctor, dental or other professional appointments that cannot be made outside of school time. 3. TARDINESS* to all classes will be handled initially by the teacher. One of the key areas we stress in our school, besides having good attendance and bringing materials to class, is punctuality. Learning to be on time for all appointments is a very important part of education. No matter what facet of life in which people are involved, they must be on time to succeed. In order to discourage tardiness, the following policy is in effect: a. The teacher handles the first tardy with a detention. b. The second tardy and all other tardies thereafter will be referred to the office. * Tardiness is defined as not being in your assigned place in the classroom and ready to begin work when the second tone sounds. 4. TARDINESS-FIRST PERIOD. Any student who is late to school first period must report directly to the office. An administrator will then issue a pass so that the student can report to first hour class. Repeated first hour tardies will result in disciplinary action. 5. Late –to-School. Students who arrive to school after 8:00 a.m. without a parental excuse will be considered unexcused for first hour. 6. TRUANCY*. A student who is out of class for a part of one hour or several class hours without permission shall be considered truant even if he is on school property. Students who are truant will not be granted credit for missed schoolwork. * Truancy is defined as being absent from school or class without a justifiable reason, usually without parental knowledge and without school approval.
Books
The school will provide all textbooks free of charge. These books are the property of the school district and each student is responsible for returning them in good condition. The same care is expected of any school equipment or materials loaned to the student during the year. In unusual cases where the student does not return the books or
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materials, he/she must pay for the items before any new issues or credits can be placed on the student's transcript. Students who do not return books will be charge the replacement cost of the missing book.
Bullying and Hazing Policy
General In order to promote a safe learning environment for all students, the Pleasant Hill R-III School District prohibits all forms of hazing, bullying and student intimidation. Students participating in or encouraging inappropriate conduct will be disciplined in accordance with JG-R. Such discipline may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion from school and removal from participation in activities. Students who have been subjected to hazing or bullying are instructed to promptly report such incidents to a school official. In addition, district staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers shall not permit, condone or tolerate any form of hazing or bullying or plan, direct, encourage, assist, engage or participate in any activity that involves hazing or bullying. District staff will report incidents of hazing and bullying to the building principal. The principal shall promptly investigate all complaints of hazing and bullying and shall administer appropriate discipline to all individuals who violate this policy. District staff that violates this policy may be disciplined or terminated. The superintendent will provide for appropriate training designed to assist staff, coaches, sponsors and volunteers in identifying, preventing and responding to incidents of hazing and bullying. The district shall annually inform students, parents, district staff, and volunteers that hazing and bullying is prohibited. This notification may occur through the distribution of the written policy, publication in handbooks, presentations at assemblies or verbal instructions by the coach or sponsor at the start of the season or program. Definitions Hazing – For purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as any activity, on or off school grounds, that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or school-sponsored activity. Hazing may include those actions that subject a student to extreme mental stress including, but not limited to, sleep deprivation, physical confinement, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or criminal activity, or other stress-inducing activities. Hazing may also include, but is not limited to: acts of physical brutality; whipping; beating; branding; exposing to the elements; forcing consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance; forcing inhalation or ingestion of tobacco products; or any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of an individual. Hazing may occur even when all students involved are willing participants. Hazing does not occur when a student is required to audition or try out for an organization when the criteria are reasonable, approved by the district and legitimately related to the purpose of the organization. Bullying – For purposes of this policy, bullying is defined as intimidation or harassment of a student or multiple students perpetuated by individuals or groups. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or damaging property; oral or written taunts, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; or threats of retaliation for reporting such acts. Bullying may also include cyber bullying or cyber threats. Cyber bullying is sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital communication devices. Cyber threats are online materials that threaten or raise concerns about violence against others, suicide or self-harm.
Bus Transportation
Rules and regulations regarding use of bus transportation are made by the contracting bus company. Bus transportation is a privilege and any person guilty of misconduct or destruction of property on the bus will be disciplined and may even lose the privilege of riding the bus to and from school. The procedures for misconduct on busses are as follows: 1. The first infraction will result in a written warning that needs to be signed by a parent and returned to the driver. When the first notice is given, if the conduct is severe or dangerous enough the misconduct notice must be signed by a parent and returned prior to the resumption of bus transportation. In addition, the parent must contact the transportation office at 816-540-4610 before transportation is resumed. 2. Second notice results in an automatic 5 day suspension from transportation. The parent must contact the transportation office at 816-540-4610 before transportation is resumed. 3. The third notice results in a 10 day suspension from transportation. The parent must contact the transportation office at 816-540-4610 before transportation is resumed. 4. A fourth notice will result in suspension from transportation for the remainder of the school year.
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Severe Clause: The severe clause is an action that will occur immediately if the incident is serious and jeopardizes the safety of the passengers. Examples of severe behavior could include fighting, weapons, alcohol, smoking, drugs, physical or sexual harassment or abuse. Such infractions will result in immediate suspension from the bus.
Cafeteria
Applications for free and reduced meals can be obtained from the school office at any time. The school cafeteria will be open the first day of school. Breakfast and lunches will be paid for at the scramble area door. Breakfast ala carte items will be served beginning at 7:15 a.m. each school day. Refunds will be made at the close of the school year. The lunch prices are set by the Board of Education and posted on the school website. The school operates a closed lunch period and the following rules apply: 1. Students are expected to use their student ID to purchase lunch. 2. A student needing a pass must secure it from the lunch monitor. 3. Lunch tardies will be handled the same as class tardies. 4. Please allow teachers to move to the front of the line so they may return to their duties quickly. 5. Good manners are a must in our cafeteria because it shows the pride students have in themselves and their school. After refuse from lunch is returned to its proper place, students should return to their seats. 6. Visitors wanting to eat with a student during lunch must receive administrative permission. Visitors are limited to parents and family members. 7. In order to shorten “wait time” in cashier lines, students are encouraged to pre-pay for their lunches using the deposit box located at the entrance to the scramble area. 8. Outside food is not allowed in the cafeteria. Visitors are requested to purchase food from the school cafeteria.
Cass Career Center / Summit Technology Academy
Students accepted into the Cass Career Center or Summit Tech programs may not drop from the program after June 1. Because of the liability placed on the administration and the school district, the following guidelines must be followed: 1. Students are expected to ride district transportation to and from off-site campuses, unless administrative approval has been granted. 2. Any student driving or riding to the vocational/technical school without prior administrative approval may be subject to discipline. 3. Upon returning to Pleasant Hill High School, students must refrain from disrupting any school activity.
Checking In or Out of School
Any student arriving late to school must check in through the office with necessary parent excuse notice. A student who needs to leave school for doctor, dental or other necessary appointments or reasons should have their parent notify the office by phone or note prior to the request to leave. If we do not have prior notification, it will be necessary for the student to contact his parents by phone so proper permission may be obtained to leave the building. Any student needing to leave school property during the school day must check out appropriately through the high school office.
Class Ranking
All students will be ranked according to the grades they earn in regular, accelerated classes or honors classes (weighted). The following formula will be used to calculate the Grade point average for the: Cumulative GPA = w/o weight GPA + (# of semesters of weighted classes x .017). Regular classes and all other classes offered for credit carry the following schedule: A=4.00, A-= 3.67, B+=3.33, B=3.00, B-=2.67, C+=2.33 C=2.00, C-=1.67, D+=1.33, D=1.00, D-= 0.67, F=0.00. In the interest of encouraging and recognizing outstanding academic achievement, beginning with the Class of 2019, summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude graduates will be selected for each high school graduating class. The summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude graduates will be selected according to the following procedure:
Summa Cum Laude
Highest Honors
4.0 GPA or higher
Magna Cum Laude
High Honors
3.8–3.99 GPA
Cum Laude
Honors
3.7–3.79 GPA
Beginning with the graduating class of 2019, a valedictorian or salutatorian will not be recognized.
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Due to the inequity of study halls when figuring GPA for class rank, students taking weighted classes and receiving a 4.00 GPA or above may have one "A" grade dropped per semester, beginning the freshman year. In order to have the "A" dropped, students must be enrolled in seven graded (letter grades) classes. This policy will not negatively affect any student's GPA. Valedictorian or salutatorian honors will be awarded until 2018. The student with the highest class rank average after eight semesters will be the valedictorian, the second highest grade average will be the salutatorian. In case of a tie, the honor will be shared. For purposes of use by college and university personnel, class rank will also be figured at the completion of the seventh semester. In competing for Valedictorian or Salutatorian, transfer students will be required to meet the following guidelines: 1. Students must complete one semester prior to their eighth semester. After this requirement is met, credit previously earned will be adjusted to agree with PHHS credit standards. 2. Weighted classes taken at another school must conform to the following: 3. Weighted class must have been a junior or senior level class. 4. Weighted class must be similar to a PHHS weighted class in name and description. 5. The total units of credit earned through weighted classes by a transfer student shall not exceed the total possible number of units of credit available to a PHHS student. 6. If a transfer student accumulates more weighted units of credit than the total possible for a PHHS student, the transfer student will have the opportunity to select the weighted classes he/she would like to count toward class ranking. Final class rank will be figured at the end of the eighth semester of attendance with the exception of early graduates who will have G.P.A. figured at the end of the seventh semester. Seniors who fail to graduate on time and later complete enough credits to earn a high school diploma will not be included in the final class rank. This will be noted on the transcript and an approximate class rank will be given.
Classroom Expectations
Students will adhere to the following basic expectations for the classroom: 1. Go directly to your seat when you enter the classroom. Do not loiter in halls or around classroom doors. 2. Always bring your books and other necessary materials to class. 3. Do not talk in class without the teacher's permission. 4. Follow all directions given by the teacher and conduct yourself at all times in a courteous and considerate manner. 5. At no time will you be allowed to leave the class without a pass from the teacher or office. 6. Do not leave the classroom until your TEACHER dismisses class. 7. The teacher will set additional rules to be followed as deemed necessary.
College Day Visits
Students are expected to utilize their summer vacation time, holidays, breaks and weekends to contact and visit colleges. When a student feels it necessary to miss a school day for such visits and would like the absence not to count against perfect attendance and/or the nine-day limit, the following guidelines should be followed: 1. Senior students are allowed two college day visits. 2. Junior students are allowed 1 college day visit. 3. All visits must be made prior to April 15th of the school year or with principal approval. 4. Requests for a college visit must be made one day in advance. 5. All college visits must be arranged through the high school guidance office. As with all absences, parent verification is required. 6. Documentation from the university/college Admissions Office stating the student’s name, university name and appointment date and time, is required for the absence to be excused.
Common Sense Statement
No handbook can contain policies for every possible eventuality. Any action deemed to create an environment contrary to the District’s and School’s missions by the administration will not be acceptable. If the action creates an environment which inhibits learning, disciplinary action will result. Students are expected to use common sense in making decisions about their behavior choices.
Computer Use
Access to the school district’s computers, the network, the Internet, and any district software is a privilege, not a right. This privilege will be revoked immediately when policies and procedures are abused or violated. Students using the Internet accept full responsibility for keeping inappropriate files, or files that could damage the reputation or the integrity of the school district, from entering the school via the Internet. Before a student can use any district technology, he/she, along with a parent, must sign an Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA). Improper use of technology resources
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may result in behavioral consequences according to the student handbook as well as possible suspension of your privilege to use the district’s technology resources.
Conduct of Students on Campus
We expect our students to be respectful toward their own fellow students and toward all who are in charge during the school day or at any school activity. It is our philosophy that any conduct of a student that disrupts or interferes with the normal class procedure will not be condoned. Our purpose at school is to promote the educational, social and emotional well being of the individual and his/her rights will be preserved by this administration and faculty. GENERAL PROCEDURES 1. Students will be permitted to enter and exit the commons area doors and the west doors by the drama and instrumental music rooms both before and after school. During the school day, these doors will be locked and no one will be permitted to use them. 2. For protection of student property, no students will be allowed past the stair area prior to the 7:20 a.m. tone without permission from a teacher or administrator. 3. Students who are not in attendance at school or have checked out of school with parental permission are not permitted on Pleasant Hill R-III school property (Primary, Elementary, Intermediate, Middle or High School) without checking in at the office of the respective building. This includes students enrolled in C.O.E. who have been excused for work release, Summit Tech Academy students, or Cass Career students. 4. Any public display of affection on school property, other than holding hands, will not be allowed and will be handled as any other disciplinary problem. 5. Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of electronic devices during the school day is prohibited. 6. Any behavior deemed to be disruptive by the administration will be disciplined. 7. When students arrive on the high school campus in the morning, they are to either enter the school building or go to the courtyard area by the main entrance. Students are not permitted to loiter in the parking lot or leave campus after arriving. 8. Students not under the direct supervision of a staff or faculty member must leave the high school campus no later than 30 minutes after the school day has concluded.
Counseling Service
Counselors are available to meet with students and parents before school, after school, and throughout the school day as needed. Guidance services include assistance with educational and career planning, interpretation of test scores, and any other personal concerns. Students wanting to meet with a counselor should sign in with the secretary in the counseling center.
Course Change Policy
Students may change schedules at designated times before the start of the semester or through the fifth day of each semester. - Students may change schedules to get a desired elective, but not to obtain a specific hour or teacher. - Parent permission is required to drop a core class. *The exception to this policy is Band: Band enrollment cannot be changed for first semester after July 1st*
Dances and Activities
The assistant principal is in charge of all dances and activities. The following regulations have been established by the Student Council for all school dances and will be strictly adhered to and enforced: 1. If a student leaves the building, he/she cannot return to the dance or activity. 2. Students may bring non-student dates to dances according to the following procedures: a. Dates must be signed up the week of the dance (no later than 2:40 p.m. two days before the dance. Any out of school date may be denied entrance to a school dance. b. Students may sign up only their own date and not a date for someone else. If this occurs, the student will be eliminated from that and all future dances. Dates must be 9th grade level or above. c. A student will be held responsible for all actions of their dates and will be disciplined accordingly. Students are expected to inform their dates of the rules and regulations set forth in this handbook regarding proper conduct. d. Out of school dates must meet one of the following criteria: be a high school student in good standing, a high school graduate, have completed their GED, or be actively enlisted in the military. e. Out of school dates that are 21 years of age or older will not be permitted to attend any school sponsored dance including prom. 3. School rules are in effect. No tobacco or drugs of any kind (including alcohol) are allowed. Regular school discipline will be in effect.
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4. Students will be expected to dress properly for activities. No blue jeans will be allowed at Homecoming and Courtwarming/Matwarming dances. Formal dress and shoes are required for Prom. Only soft-soled shoes will be allowed for dances held in the high school gymnasium. 5. Students will be expected to pay proper respect to their sponsors and to do everything necessary to make the event a success. 6. Dances must end by 11:30p.m. 7. Any student on suspension will not be allowed to attend any school function (dances included). 8. Any student who is absent from school on the day of a dance or activity will not be allowed to attend unless prior approval has been granted by the administration. 9. Admission to major dances (excluding Prom) is $5.00 for each individual. Other prices for school dances will be set by the Activities Director.
Deficiency Reports
Because we believe that parents, teachers, and students can work together to improve student grades, we will ensure parent contacts are made every four to five weeks into each nine-week term to inform parents of student progress.
Education for Students with Disabilities
All public schools are required to provide a free and appropriate public education to all students with disabilities, including those attending private/parochial schools, beginning on the child's third birthday through age twenty (20), regardless of the child's disability. The public school assures that to comply with the full educational opportunity goal, services for students three (3) through twenty-one (21) will be fully implemented by 1999. Disabilities include learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavior disorders/emotional disturbance, speech disorders (voice, fluency, or articulation), language disorders, visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically/other health impaired, multiple disabilities, deaf/blind, autism, early childhood special education, and traumatic brain injury. The public school assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri's First Steps Program. All public schools are required to provide parents the right to inspect and review personally identifiable information collected and used or maintained by the district relating to their children. Parents have the right to request amendment of these records if they feel the information is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their children. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). You may contact your local district, if you wish to review the requirements provided in FERPA. The public school has developed a Local Compliance Plan for implementation of Special Education and this Plan is available for public review during regular school hours on days school is in session in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools. The Local Compliance Plan is a written narrative which describes the district's plan for compliance with the requirements for identifying and serving all students with disabilities. Included in this plan are the policies and procedures which the district must follow regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention, and destruction of personally identifiable information. The plan also describes the assurances that services are provided in compliance with the requirement of 34 CFR 76.301 of the General Education Provision Act. Public schools in the State of Missouri are required to conduct an annual census of all children in the district or whose parent/legal guardian resides in the district. This census is compiled as of May 1 each year. This information is treated as confidential and submitted to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Information to be collected includes: name of each child, parent/legal guardian's name/address; birth date and age of each child; and each child's disability or suspected disability. Should the district fail to submit an annual census, the State Board of Education may withhold state aid until the census is submitted. If you have a child with a disability or know of a child with a disability who is not attending the public school, please contact your school district. This notice can be provided in languages such as Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese or any other language as may be necessary. District 504 Coordinator Tammy Vogler 1 Rooster Way Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 Phone: (816)540-3111 Fax: (816)987-6084
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Directory Information
General Directory Information-The following information the district maintains about a personally identifiable student may be disclosed by the district to the school community through, for example, district publications, or to any person without first obtaining written consent from a parent or eligible student: Student’s name; date and place of birth; parents’ names; grade level’ enrollment status(e.g., full-time or part-time); student identification number; user identification or other unique personal identifier used by the student for the purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems as long as the information alone cannot be used to access protected educational records; participation in district-sponsored or district-recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; degrees, honors and awards received; artwork or course work displayed by the district; and photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound unless such records would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy. Limited Directory Information-In addition to general directory information, the following information the district maintains about a personally identifiable student may be disclosed to: school officials with a legitimate education interest; parent groups or booster clubs that are recognized by the Board and are created solely to work with the district, it’s staff, students and parents to raise funds for district activities; government entities including, but not limited to, law enforcement, the juvenile office and the Children’s Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services; and association and vendors the District deems necessary for education related reasons: The student’s address, telephone number and e-mail address and the parents’ addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. The student’s dates of attendance and schools or school districts previously attended. Law Enforcement Access The district may report or disclose education records to law enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure concerns law enforcement's or juvenile justice authorities' ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions set forth in federal law. If the district reports a crime committed by a student with a disability as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district will transmit copies of the special education and disciplinary records to the authorities to whom the district reported the crime as allowed by law. Law enforcement officials also have access to directory information and may obtain access to student education records in emergency situations as allowed by law. Otherwise, law enforcement officials must obtain a subpoena or consent from the parent or eligible student before a student's education records will be disclosed. Children's Division Access The district may disclose education records to representatives of the CD when reporting child abuse and neglect in accordance with law. Once the CD obtains custody of a student, CD representatives may also have access to education records in accordance with law. CD representatives may also have access to directory information and may obtain access to student education records in emergency situations, as allowed by law. Military and Higher Education Access The district will disclose the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary school students to military recruiters or institutions of higher education as required by law unless the parent or student notifies the district in writing not to disclose the information to those entities.
Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation
The Pleasant Hill R-III School District Board of Education is committed to maintaining a workplace and educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, services, activities and facilities. In accordance with law, the district strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. The Pleasant Hill R-III School District is an equal opportunity employer. The entire Board Policy AC can be accessed at the following web address: https://goo.gl/gP7eZg
Electronic Devices
Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of electronic devices during the school day is prohibited. Student Owned Electronic Devices Students are allowed to bring their own electronic devices to school for academic purposes. The use of such equipment in a classroom must be approved by the classroom teacher. Students using their own devices are to follow the same rules and procedures that apply to district owned equipment. Access to the district network may be granted to students with devices; however, appropriate procedures must be followed to access the district network. Students in possession of a device at school are responsible for the care and maintenance of their equipment. Students are not
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guaranteed access to printers or electrical outlets to use their own device. Students who are in possession of their own devices at school need to understand that there are risks associated with bringing such items to school. These risks can include damage, theft, or loss. The school and the district are not responsible for the loss of, damage to, or theft of a student’s electronic device at, or in transportation to school.
Emergency School Closing
When a decision for irregular dismissal of school is made necessary due to weather conditions, you will receive notification from the school district. You may also check area radio/TV stations for school dismissal information. Please do not call the High School Office as our lines must be kept open to handle bus emergencies.
Extracurricular Eligibility
All students participating in organizations governed by Missouri State High School Activities Association (athletics, speech, drama, cheerleading, instrumental* and vocal* music) must meet the following scholastic guidelines to be eligible to participate: 1. Students must be passing all classes. Anytime a student receives a "F" in any class at mid-quarter or at the quarter, he/she will be placed on academic probation. While on probation, the student can continue to practice but cannot participate in any activity until the grade is no longer a "F". The teacher of the class will be the one who will determine when the student's grade is passing and will then notify the vice-principal. 2. If a student receives a "F" for the semester, that student will be placed on academic probation until the midquarter (4 1/2 weeks). The student will be able to practice but not compete until all grades are passing. 3. Second semester grades will determine a student's eligibility the succeeding year by the same process as mentioned above. 4. Students participating in any other organizations such as F.C.C.L.A., F.F.A., F.T.A., Student Council, Foreign Language Club must be passing in every class in which they are enrolled to be eligible to participate in a contest or field trip conducted during the school day. Sponsors will distribute a form to each student which must be signed by each one of his/her teachers verifying a passing grade. 5. No students will be allowed to participate in an extracurricular activity or organizational function on the day they are not in attendance for a minimum of four classroom hours unless they obtain permission from an administrator. This same rule applies to a weekend activity when students are absent on the last day of school preceding the activity. Also, any time there is an activity during the school day, students not participating or who are not eligible will not be able to attend this activity until the school day has ended. The only exception to this policy is if prior approval has been granted by the school administration. 6. MSHSAA policy states that students completing in any MSHSAA sanctioned activity or sport must have earned three (3) credits in the previous semester to be eligible to compete in any MSHSAA sanctioned event. Students who did not earn three credits in the previous semester will be ineligible to compete the entire semester. NOTE: Any student being graded on an activity missed because of this policy will have an opportunity to make up the points missed by an alternate method. * VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC REGULATIONS A. Inter-Scholastic Events - (When at least one other music group is involved), all MSHSAA and Pleasant Hill eligibility rules apply (grades, dress, etc.) B. Public Appearances - (When no other school is present, but we are performing away from school), the Dress Code policy must be adhered to but Grade Rule does not apply unless school time is missed. C. Local Concerts - (When concerts are being held in our gym/auditorium), Dress Code does not apply; Grade Rule does not apply unless school time is missed. All students representing our school in competition or as a performing group will be properly dressed and groomed in accordance to sponsor and administrative expectations, or they will automatically be removed.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s educational records. These rights are: 1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. 2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record as requested by
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the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with who the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. [Optional] Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.] 4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington , DC 20202-4605
Final Exams
Final examinations may be used as a major evaluation of student achievement when they are conducted in such a way that they effectively evaluate the achievement of the goals and objectives on which learning activities have been based. Therefore teachers and others may use those means of measurement or appraisal which directly relate to the goals and objectives of the curriculum. Final exams are worth 10% of the semester grade. Students that score Proficient or Advanced on an End of Course Exam may be exempt from the final exam in a corresponding class. Grade Placement (Based on cohort) Freshmen - Must have been promoted from the Middle School. Sophomore – Second year high school student. Junior – Third year high school student. Senior – Fourth year or more high school student that has not met all graduation requirements.
Grading System
The marking system is A=4.00, A- =3.67, B+=3.33, B=3.00, B-=2.67, C+=2.33,C=2.0 C-=1.67, D+=1.33, D=1.0, D=0.67, and F=0. An "I" on a progress report signifies that class work was not completed in that particular class, and credit was withheld. Students who are required to take finals but fail to do so will receive a failing grade in those classes involved. The following percentage grading scale has been adopted by the Pleasant Hill faculty: 95-100 A 80-82 B 67-69 D+ 90-94 A77-79 C+ 63-66 D 87-89 B+ 73-76 C 60-62 D 83-36 B 70-72 C 0-59 F Grades for the semester will be determined by dividing total points earned by total points possible for the semester. Quarter grades are not averaged to determine semester grades. First and third quarter grades are merely reports of a student's progress and are not official grades. Only semester grades are official and will be placed on a student's permanent record. Therefore, class rank and G.P.A. are figured on a semester basis only.
Graduation Requirements (Classes of 2016, 2017, and 2018)
The following credits must be earned for a student to receive a diploma from Pleasant Hill High School: 3 units - Social Studies (American History, Geography or World History, Comparative Government) *All students must pass exams over the Missouri and U.S. Constitutions. 3 units - Mathematics 4 units - Language Arts (Language Arts I, Language Arts II, Language Arts III and Language Arts IV or Composition and Advanced Literature) 3 units - Science (Physical Science and Biology I) 1 unit - Fine Arts
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1 unit - Practical Arts 1 unit - Physical Education (1 unit of health may be substituted with a doctor's statement) ½ unit – Health ½ unit – Personal Finance 7 units - Electives 24 units of credit
Graduation Requirements (Beginning with the Class of 2019)
The following credits must be earned for a student to receive a diploma from Pleasant Hill High School: 3 units - Social Studies (American History, Geography or World History, Comparative Government) *All students must pass exams over the Missouri and U.S. Constitutions. 3 units - Mathematics 4 units - Language Arts (Language Arts I, Language Arts II, Language Arts III and Language Arts IV or Composition and Advanced Literature) 3 units - Science (Physical Science and Biology I) 1 unit - World Language Course OR Core Elective (Social Studies, Mathematics, Language Arts, or Science) 1 unit - Fine Arts 1 unit - Practical Arts 1 unit - Physical Education (1 unit of health may be substituted with a doctor's statement) ½ unit – Health ½ unit – Personal Finance 7 units - Electives 25 units of credit
Hall Passes
Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless they are accompanied by a teacher or have their planner with a pass from an authorized staff member.
Handbook/Planner
The handbook/planner has been designed to help students manage their time and plan their day so that students can take an active part in controlling their academic achievement. The planner is an integral part of the instructional program. It should be cared for and utilized in the same manner as a school textbook. The following guidelines will be observed: • Keep the title page with the student’s name intact. • Have and utilize the planner every day in each class. • Maintain the planner in its entirety, including total pages and content. • Use the planner for hall passes. The handbook is required to move throughout the campus. • Replace lost, stolen, or damaged planners. Planners may be purchased in the office for $5. • Students are to carry their own planners—using another person’s planner will result in a discipline notice documenting the incident followed by subsequent detentions. • The cover of the planner must be left unchanged. • Do not remove pages, even when filled. • No student will be allowed to leave a classroom without a planner with a hall pass signed by the teacher. Absolutely no passes are issued the last 10 minutes of class unless there is an emergency or office request.
Head Lice
Students with a confirmed case head lice will not be allowed back to school until all nits have been removed.
Health Services
Nurses are on duty full time in the Pleasant Hill Schools. Their times are divided among the Middle and High Schools. Students needing to see the nurse shall be granted a pass from the classroom teacher to the office. The office personnel will then call the nurse to attend to the emergency. If the situation is not an emergency, the student shall come by the office between classes and leave a note with the secretary. The nurse will be contacted and an appointment made for the student.
Health Screening
Vision, hearing and dental screen programs will be conducted yearly as time permits. Head lice screening will be conducted as needed.
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Immunizations
Students will be required to show proof of proper immunization prior to enrollment and immunizations must be up-todate before a student is permitted to attend classes. Satisfactory evidence of immunization means a statement certificate or record from a physician or other recognized health facility or personnel stating that the required immunizations have been given to the person verifying the type of vaccine, month and year of administration. Religious (Imm.P.11A) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions will be allowed. Use this link to view the Missouri School Year Immunization Requirements: http://health.mo.gov/living/wellness/immunizations/pdf/1415schoolrequirements.pdf Prescription Drugs To allow students to self-administer medication, permission slips signed by parents must be on file with the school. (A form is available in the High School Office) Medications If under exceptional circumstances a student is required to take oral medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, the school nurse and/or the principal's designee will administer the medication in compliance with the regulations that follow: 1. Parents shall authorize school personnel to give all medication. a. Authorization for over-the-counter medication shall be made by signature on a non-prescription need permit or in the form of a note to the school acknowledging the parent's approval, dosage, times, date prescribed, name of medicine, purpose, possible side effects and the termination date for administration of the medication. It is suggested that only enough dosage by sent to school for the week. 2. ·Prescription drugs administered on a regular basis need to be brought in the original bottle to the school by the parent/guardian. These drugs will be counted and signed for by the parent through the school nurse. Parents must deliver the medication to the school nurse. a. If other arrangements are necessary, it is the parent's responsibility to contact the school nurse. 3. Students are not to carry medication at school. 4. All medication shall be transported and stored in the original container. 5. Students with chronic disease, such as asthma, may assume responsibility for their own bronchodilator. Parents must still notify the school in writing for this arrangement. The school will not be responsible for their medication. 6. The parent/guardian of the student must assume responsibility for informing school personnel of any change in the student's health or change in medication. 7. Any student who vomits or has diarrhea the night or morning before school should be kept at home. Any student with fever of 100 degrees or higher, should remain home until the temperature has been normal for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
Homecoming Procedures
FLOATBUILDING The student council will develop a theme for Homecoming. Class officers and sponsors will meet three weeks prior to Homecoming to select a float building site and develop sub-themes to present to the class in its entirety. The class will then select the theme to use for their float. Float building times will be announced each year and will be strictly enforced. The size of floats will be designed to fit on a pickup bed. The size of floats cannot exceed 5 ft. wide, 6 ft. high, 8 ft. long. Float expenses should be limited to $150.00. Money will be raised in the following manner: 1. School provides $150.00 for each class which comes from the class treasury. 2. Any other funds needed will be raised through student donations the week prior to homecoming. Float judging will occur before and during the parade. Judges from the community will individually rate the floats using the following categories/scale: Special effects - 10 pts.; Creativity - 15 pts.; Appropriate Title - 10 pts.; Overall Appearance - 15 pts.; Display of Theme and Class Year - 5 pts.; Color Scheme - 5 pts. Float winners will be announced prior to the football game. KING AND QUEEN CANDIDATE AND ATTENDANT SELECTION PROCESS 1. A student can be selected for only one royalty event per school year (royalty being Homecoming, Courtwarming, Matwarming, Annual Show, and Prom). If nominated as an attendant or candidate, the student is not eligible for another royalty event until the next school year. 2. For Homecoming, Courtwarming, and Matwarming, underclass females are selected as attendants and three senior girls are selected as queen candidates. Homecoming attendants and queen candidates are selected by the football team. Courtwarming attendants and queen candidates are selected by the basketball team. And Matwarming attendants and queen candidates are selected by the wrestling team. The student body has ballot voting for the queen of each event after the introduction assembly during school hours.
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3. 4. 5.
For Annual show, a female and male from each grade are selected by the Yearbook Staff. Voting takes place the night of the Annual Show. The audience selects the winning couple by voting prior to the show. Only seniors are selected as Prom King and Queen Candidates. Three senior girls and three senior boys are selected by the junior and senior class advisors. Voting takes place the night of prom with only PHHS juniors and seniors, who are attending prom, voting. Barnwarming King and Queen, Mr. Rooster and Project Grad King and Queen are competitions. Students may be in one of these AND be a part of a royalty event.
Homeless
The Pleasant Hill R-III School District Board of Education recognizes that homelessness alone should not be sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment. Therefore, the district, in accordance with state and federal law and the Missouri state plan for education of the homeless, will give special attention to ensure that homeless students in the school district have access to a free and appropriate public education. The Board designates the following individual to act as the district's homeless coordinator: Janell Hamilton 318 Cedar Street Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 Phone: 540-4700 Fax: 540-6035 The entire Board Policy IGBCA can be accessed at the following web address: https://goo.gl/jGgzRp
Homework/Missed Tests
Students who have missed school will be allowed one day for each absence to make up the work. Any student knowing of a pre-planned absence must have all assignments completed upon return. In cases of absences due to school-related activities, teachers may request assignments prior to the student's attending the activity. If a test date was announced prior to the absence, a student must take the test the first day upon returning to school. So further class time will not be missed, a teacher may require a student to take a missed test before or after school.
Honor Roll
Students with high academic achievement will be rewarded with placement of their names on one of three honor rolls. Grade point averages are figured on a 4.00 system and include weighted classes. The honor rolls and qualifications are as follows: 1. Regular Honor Roll - students receiving a grade point average from 3.0 to 3.49. 2. Principal's Honor - students receiving a grade point average from 3.5 to 3.99. 3. Superintendent's Honor Roll - students receiving a grade point average of 4.00 or above.
Library Services:
The high school library media center (LMC) offers students and staff access to a wide variety of information formats. The library webpage offers several databases for remote access so that students can use these resources at home as well as at school. Students and staff are encouraged to use the library as much as possible. The web address is http://pleasanthilllibrary.blogspot.com/ POLICIES: The LMC hours are 7:00-3:00 daily. Hours may be extended when classroom projects require extra time for research. Students are welcome to the LMC before and after school, between classes, and anytime during the day when they have an appropriately signed student planner from a teacher. Books and magazines from the regular collection can be checked out for two weeks and can be renewed. Fines for overdue regular collection materials are 10¢ per day and are NOT accrued on weekends, holidays, and snow days. Students are notified at midterm and at the end of each quarter if they have overdue books or fines, but it is the responsibility of the student to manage the materials they have checked out in a responsible way. Students who have an overdue book and a fine of more than $1.00 may not check out another until the outstanding material is returned. Students may continue to check out books if the fine is less than $1.00. ALL materials should be checked out with a student barcode before they are taken from the LMC. The LMC provides a barcode that is attached to the student planner at the beginning of the year. If the planner is lost, it is the student’s responsibility to replace it and get ask for a new barcode in the LMC. Students who lose books will pay the replacement cost of the book. Books or other items purchased by individuals to replace lost materials will not be accepted. Computers in the LMC are available before and after school, and during school hours when they are not reserved for classes. All students must have a current, signed Acceptable Use Policy on file to use computers in the LMC. Student behavior in the library should reflect the guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook.
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Lockers
Hall lockers are assigned at the time of registration. Students should not change lockers without first gaining approval from the office. Under no circumstances should your locker be marked on (inside or out). However, decorations, pictures or stickers may be attached to the inside of your locker. No alcohol, drugs, or tobacco stickers are allowed. The only decorations approved for the outside of a locker will be those supplied by our cheerleaders or those approved by the administrators. Lockers may be checked for compliance. * Lockers may be searched by school administrators at any time. Drug dogs may be used to search lockers, back packs, and purses.
Lost and Found
When lost or misplaced articles are found, they should be taken to the office. Students should report lost articles immediately and make inquiries at the principal's office.
National Honor Society
To qualify for the National Honor Society the following requirements must be met: 1. Students must be a member of the junior or senior class. 2. Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher during their high school 3. career and a 3.5 G.P.A. the previous semester prior to consideration for N.H.S. 4. Students must also excel in leadership, service and character. 5. Students must have attended at least one semester at Pleasant Hill High School. 6. Students must meet any and all other requirements as set by the national and local organization.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The Pleasant Hill R-III School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person serves as the Title IX Officer and has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Superintendant 318 Cedar Street Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 (816)540-3161 For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Notice of Compliance
The school district is committed to providing appropriate educational services for children with disabilities in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act. The district is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IV of the 1972 Educational Amendments and The Americans With Disabilities Act.
Office Hours
Office hours will be 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Posters
Any posters placed in the building must have the approval of the principal or assistant principal. The posters must be of suitable materials, appropriate size and be placed on the walls. Posters are to be removed by the same people who put them up and in a reasonable period of time. (See Activities, General Regulations) All posters displayed on lockers or on wood must be attached with the tape provided by STUCO.
Property Defacement
The heritage of our school is that of a proud community and student body. When a student marks or defaces the property of this school, he/she is, in a way, defacing the many outstanding and proud alumni that this school has produced. Attempt to leave the building in as good a condition as you found it so that after you have graduated, other students will want to carry on the great traditions.
Public Complaints
The Board of Education recognizes that situations of concern to parents/guardians or the public may arise in the operation of the district. Such concerns are best resolved through communication with the appropriate staff members and officers of the school district, such as the faculty, the principals, the superintendent or the Board. The following steps are proper procedures to be followed by persons with questions or complaints regarding the operation of the school district:
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1. 2. 3. 4.
5.
Complaints on behalf of individual students should first be addressed to the teacher. Unsettled matter from (1) above, or problems and questions concerning individual schools, should be directed to the administration. Unsettled matters from (2) above, or problems and questions concerning the school district, should be directed to the superintendent. If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it should be brought to the Board of Education. Questions and comments submitted to the secretary of the Board in letter form will be brought to the attention of the entire Board at a regularly scheduled or called meeting. If necessary, a Board hearing will be scheduled to resolve the complaint. However, the decision of the Board shall be final except in the case of complaints concerning the administration of federal programs. In that case the complainant may go to the appropriate section of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and from there on to the United States Secretary of Education. The Board considers it the obligation of the professional and support staff of the district to field the questions of parents/guardians or the public. Accordingly, the district will inform patrons of this complaint procedure and its availability for lodging complaints against the local district or the state.
Returned Checks
A $15.00 fee will be assessed for processing returned checks
Staff Accompaniment with Ambulance
If under an emergency situation it becomes necessary to send a student in an ambulance to a hospital, and office staff is unable to contact either the parents or the emergency number given to the office, the building principal or his designee will follow the ambulance to the hospital of destination. That person will remain at the hospital until telephone contact has been made with parents or until the parent arrives at the hospital. The principal's office staff will continue to try to contact the parents or the emergency number throughout the remainder of the work day. If the staff is unable to make contact with the parents or emergency number prior to leaving the office for the day, they will notify the principal or his designee at the hospital. The building principal or his designee should take a copy of the student's enrollment card to the hospital.
Student Alcohol/Drug Abuse
The Pleasant Hill R-III School District is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of its students. Therefore, use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession or being under the influence of unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotic substances, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, illegal drugs, counterfeit substances and imitation controlled substances is prohibited on any district property, in any district-owned vehicle or in any other districtapproved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities. This prohibition also applies to any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the school district. The use, sale, transfer or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited. For the purpose of this policy a controlled substance shall include any controlled substance, counterfeit substance or imitation controlled substance as defined in the Narcotic Drug Act, § 195.010, RSMo., and in schedules I, II, III, IV and V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c). Students may only be in possession of medication as detailed in Board policy JHCD. Searches of persons reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy will be conducted in accordance with Board policy. Any student who is found by the administration to be in violation of this policy shall be referred for prosecution and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion or other discipline in accordance with the district's discipline policy. Strict compliance is mandatory. The school principal shall immediately report all incidents involving a controlled substance to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and the superintendent. All controlled substances shall be turned over to local law enforcement. Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with policy JGE.
Student Council
A form of student government operates in the high school so that students will have an opportunity to practice some of the fundamentals of the democratic process. Elected officials assist in carrying out many student-centered programs and activities such as dances, assemblies and election supervision, to name a few. To ensure that student leadership opportunities are shared amongst the student body, a student will not be allowed to hold more than one class elected position and/or STUCO elected position within the same school year. If a student desires to run for a different class or STUCO position the student must resign their currently elected position prior to filing for any other elected position. Your Student Council (STUCO) is an advisory group and suggests methods and means for student involvement and
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betterment. The STUCO operates under the direction of the sponsor and gives many hours of planning and thought to see that the operation of your school is handled properly. This group becomes a sounding board for the student body, and through its involvement with other schools, it can reflect the positive efforts of your school to others.
Student Discipline
It is the objective of the Pleasant Hill High School to recognize, preserve and protect the individual rights of each student. This can only be accomplished within a necessary framework of an orderly efficient and continuing school program. Therefore, discipline and structure are necessary standards for the maintenance of a learning atmosphere. Students are expected to exercise self-discipline, refraining from any behavior that causes discomfort to any student, verbal or physical action that stigmatize or victimize an individual on the basis of race, ethnic background, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, creed, political affiliation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or disability. Disciplinary actions are aligned to with school codes of conduct and approved board policy JF-R3. When a student has difficulty controlling their behavior, the administration has the option of following the disciplinary consequences outlined below or may vary the consequences depending on the severity of the infraction and the attitude of the students.
Suspension
A student may be excluded from school because of willful violation of school rules and regulations or willful conduct, which disrupts education or endangers lives or property. Suspension refers to an exclusion from school that will not exceed a specific period of time. The entire Board Policy JF can be accessed at the following web address: https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/ePolicy/listing.aspx?S=83&Sch=83&C=J&F=
Student Dismissal Precautions
The Pleasant Hill R-III School District is legally responsible for the safety of its students during the school day. Therefore, each building principal will establish procedures to validate requests for early dismissal, to assure that students are released only for proper reasons, and only to authorized person(s). Staff members shall not excuse any student from school prior to the end of the school day, or into any person's custody without the direct prior approval and knowledge of the building principal, or his/her designee. In keeping with these precautions, the following procedures will be adhered to: * The building principal or designee shall not excuse a student before the end of the school day without a request for early dismissal by the student's parent or guardian. * Telephone requests for early dismissal of a student shall be honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the student's parent or guardian. * In the case of children of separated or divorced parents, the district will release a student to the parent whose address has been designated as the address for educational purposes by order of the court without contacting the other parent or, if no court order concerning custody is on file, then to either parent. * If a court order is on file, and if it provides that a parent has joint legal custody, but that parent's address has not been designated as the child's address for educational purposes, that parent may collect the child from school during the school day. In such a case, when no verifiable notice of the early removal from school is received from the educationalpurposes residential parent, the district will make a reasonable attempt to notify the other parent by telephone for informational purposes only, not for permission. The attempt need not be successful, nor must it be repeated if made to the phone number of record for the parent being contacted. This procedure will also apply where a court order indicates joint legal custody, but does not designate the child's address for educational purposes. The parents together may in writing waive these courtesy calls. * A parent without at least joint legal custody of a child, as demonstrated by a copy of a valid judgment or other order on file with the district, may not collect the child from school during the school day absent concurrence (written or oral) by the parent with sole legal custody. The above policies notwithstanding, the district will respect whatever specific provisions regarding this issue are provided for by court order in any particular case, with ambiguity to be resolved in favor of the general policies. Parents are encouraged to address these issues in the parenting plan and immediately to provide the district with any orders restricting or establishing parental rights. The district does not arbitrate custody and visitation disputes, and interested persons are advised to consult counsel or the county clerk's office if such disputes arise. Additional precautions may be taken by the school administration, appropriate to the age of students, and as needs arise. Parents shall provide documentation concerning parental rights, including divorce decrees and restraining orders if any.
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Student Dress
Students should be dressed in a manner that will not create either a safety or health hazard or cause a disruptive influence on other students in and around the school. ACCEPTABLE DRESS: 1. Appropriate shoes must always be worn for health reasons. House shoes and slippers are not considered appropriate. 2. Hats and other headgear are not to be worn during the school day. 3. The length of skirts, dresses or shorts (boys or girls) must extend below the fingertips of wearers when they are standing with their hands fully extended at their side. 4. Clothing with holes or tears above the knee level may be considered inappropriate depending on the location and severity of the holes and tears. 5. All pants must be worn above the hips at the waist. 6. Sleeveless style shirts for students must have a collar. UNACCEPTABLE DRESS: 1. Short or cut-off tops, bare backs and midriffs. This includes low cut tank tops. 2. Writing that might be offensive, such as profanity, obscenity, sexual references, double entendre and others. 3. Any reference to alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. 4. Mesh or see-through clothing unless worn as an over garment to an acceptable item. 5. Wearing the same clothes to class that you wear in P.E. or athletic practice. This does not include game shirts on game day. 6. Pajamas or other sleepwear. Other situations that may distract from the educational purpose of the school or that could contribute to a hostile sexual environment will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Student Identification Card
The school issues a picture ID card to each student for security, identification, library checkout, cafeteria checkout, and activity purposes. Students will be expected to be able to produce their ID card for a staff member when asked. If lost the new card must be purchased for $10.00.
Student Insurance
Each student will have the opportunity to purchase a catastrophic insurance policy at a discounted rate. The rates and details along with applications will be available in the school office. ALL ATHLETIC TEAM MEMBERS MUST CARRY OR SHOW PROOF OF INSURANCE BEFORE THEY CAN PRACTICE.
Student Permission to Leave the Building
Students are not permitted to leave the building or school area without permission from the attendance office. Students are not to be sent on errands or dismissed from classes to leave the building without permission from the office.
Student Parking
Parking at Pleasant Hill High school is a privilege. To park in the high school parking lot, students must adhere to the following regulations: 1. Vehicles must have a current parking tag (available in the school office for $15.00 annually or 2. $7.00 for second semester). 3. Vehicles must not be double parked or impede the free movement of other vehicles. 4. Vehicles must be parked in areas reserved for students. 5. Vehicles must be driven at an acceptable speed and in an appropriate manner. 6. Violations of any of these rules may result in the driver receiving a warning, a fine, or the suspension of their parking privilege. Drug dogs may be used to search student cars in the parking lot. Cars parked in school designated parking areas at home or at away activities may be searched if there is reason to believe they hold unauthorized material.
Student Publication Non-Curricular Materials (Board Policy IGDBA)
I. Guidelines Students may distribute, at reasonable times and places, unofficial material, including but not limited to petitions, buttons, badges, or other insignia. If the district allows students to use its technology resources for noncurricular purposes, any exchange of unofficial material which is delivered or accessed using district technology resources is also subject to this policy. However, students cannot distribute expressions which: A. Are obscene to minors. B. Are libelous.
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C.
Are pervasively indecent or vulgar (secondary schools)/contain any indecent or vulgar language (elementary schools). D. Advertise any product or service not permitted to minors by law. E. Constitute insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses other people (e.g., threats of violence, defamation of character or of a person's race, religion or ethnic origin). F. Present a clear and present likelihood that, either because of their content or their manner of distribution, will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school procedures. II. Procedures Anyone wishing to distribute unofficial material must first submit for approval a copy of the material to the principal or designee 24 hours in advance of desired distribution time, together with the following information: A. Name and phone number of the person submitting request. B. Date(s) and time(s) of day of intended distribution. C. Location where material will be distributed. D. The grade(s) of students to whom the distribution is intended. Within 24 hours of submission, the principal (or his or her designee) will render a decision whether the material violates the Guidelines in Section I or the time, place and manner restrictions in Section III of this policy. In the event that permission to distribute the material is denied, the person submitting the request should be informed in writing of the reasons for the denial. E. Permission to distribute material does not imply approval of its contents by the school, the administration, the Board, or the individual reviewing the material submitted. F. If the person submitting the request does not receive a response within 24 hours of submission, the person shall contact the office to verify that the lack of response was not due to an inability to locate the person. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the request, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in Section III. G. If the person is dissatisfied with the decision of the principal (or designee), the person may submit a written request for appeal to the superintendent of schools or his or her secretary. H. If the person does not receive a response within three days (not counting Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of submitting the appeal, the person shall contact the office of the superintendent to verify that the lack of response is not due to an inability to locate the person. I. If the person has made this verification and there is no response to the appeal, the material may be distributed in accordance with the time, place and manner provisions in Section III. J. At every level of the process, the person submitting the request shall have the right to appear and present the
reasons supported by relevant witnesses and material, as to why distribution of the unofficial material is appropriate.
III. Time, Place and Manner of Distribution The distribution of unofficial material shall be limited to a reasonable time, place and manner as follows: A. No unofficial material may be distributed during and at the place of a normal school activity if it is reasonably likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of that activity. B. Distribution of unofficial material is prohibited when it blocks the safe flow of traffic within corridors and entrance ways of the school or when it disrupts the use of district technology resources. IV. Definitions The following definitions apply to the following terms as used in this policy: A. "Obscene to minors" is defined as: 1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the unofficial material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest of minors of the age to whom distribution is requested; and/or 2. The unofficial material depicts or describes, in a manner that is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community concerning how such conduct should be presented to minors of the age to whom distribution is requested, sexual conduct such as intimate sexual acts (normal or perverted), masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibition of the genitals; and/or 3. The unofficial material, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for minors. B. "Minor" means any person under the age of 18.
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C. "Material and substantial disruption" of a normal school activity is defined as follows: 1. Where the normal school activity is an educational program of the district for which student attendance is compulsory, "material and substantial disruption" is defined as any disruption which interferes with or impedes the implementation of that program. 2. Where the normal school activity is voluntary in nature (including, without limitation, school athletic events, school plays and concerts, and lunch periods), "material and substantial disruption" is defined as student rioting, unlawful seizures of property, widespread shouting or boisterous conduct inappropriate to the event, participation in a school boycott, demonstration, sit-in, stand-in, walk-out or other related forms of activity. In order for expression to be considered disruptive, there must exist specific facts upon which the likelihood of disruption can be forecast, including past experience in the school, current events influencing student activities and behavior, and instances of actual or threatened disruption relating to the material in question. D. "School activities" means any activity of students sponsored by the school and includes -- by way of example, and not by way of limitation -- classroom work, library activities, physical education classes, official assemblies and other similar gatherings, school athletic contests, band concerts, school plays, and inschool lunch periods. E. "Unofficial material" includes all written or pictorial communications except school publications funded and/or sponsored or authorized by the school. Examples include leaflets, buttons, badges, insignia, brochures, flyers, petitions, placards, underground newspapers, websites, links to websites, and emails, whether created by students or others. F. "Libelous" is a false and unprivileged statement about a specific individual that tends to harm the individual's reputation, or to lower him or her in the esteem of the community. G. "Distribution" means circulation or dissemination of unofficial material by means of handing out free copies, selling or offering copies for sale and accepting donations for copies or delivery via district technology. It includes displaying unofficial material in areas of the school which are generally frequented by students. V. Disciplinary Action Distribution by a student of unofficial material prohibited in Section I or in violation of Section III may be treated as a violation of the student discipline code. VI. Notice of Policy to Students A copy of this policy will be published in student handbooks and posted conspicuously in school buildings.
Student Welfare
Students will find in their registration packet which they receive in early August a form to fill out if they qualify for "Free or Reduced Lunches." Any questions should be directed to the principal. All discussions are confidential.
Study Skills Class Regulations
* REGULAR CLASSROOM RULES ARE IN EFFECT AT ALL TIMES. * All materials for use during the study skills class should be brought with the student before the tardy tone sounds. * Students may not leave study skills class to see another teacher without a pass signed by the teacher who wishes to see a particular student. * No students will be excused to see the counselor unless they have a signed pass from the counselor. An exception is in emergency situations as judged by the teacher. * The purpose of the study skills class is to study; therefore, all students are expected to have work to do at all times. * No talking will be permitted unless permission is granted by the teacher in charge. Talking is to be about a lesson only, no visiting. * Office passes are to be issued with care. The secretary will sign the pass and place the time on the pass as the student leaves.
Surrogate Parent Program
Pursuant to the requirements of state law 162.997.000 RSMo, the State Board of Education is required to appoint a surrogate parent at such time as it becomes evident that a child with a disability does not have a parent or a person acting as a parent to participate in matters dealing with the provision of special education. For purposes of surrogate parent appointment, "parent" is defined as a biological parent, a guardian, or a person acting as a parent of a child including, but not limited to, a grandparent, a step-parent, or a foster parent with whom the child lives. The term does not include a person whose parental rights have been terminated. The local school district is given the responsibility to determine when a child with a disability who requires special education and who resides in the district is without a parent. The district must notify the Missouri Department of
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Elementary and Secondary Education of the need to appoint a surrogate parent. Training for persons serving as surrogate parents will be provided by Secondary Education and the district. If you are interested in volunteering to serve as a surrogate parent, more information can be obtained from the district's surrogate parent contact person, Special Services Director, 540-4700.
Telephone Use
Please remember that the office telephone is a business phone. Students will not be called from class to answer the phone (except in cases of emergency), but the office will take a number or message of an incoming call and inform the student. Students are allowed to make calls from the office phone only during the lunch hour, and permission must be obtained from the office to use the phone. The hall phone may be used during the school day only between hours and then at the student's risk of being tardy to class.
Trips under School Jurisdiction
Students are required to ride school-sponsored transportation both to and from Pleasant Hill High School sponsored activities in which they are involved. Sponsors may make an exception for the return trip home but will release a student only to a parent/guardian/grandparent, unless previous arrangements have been approved by the administration. Pleasant Hill High School officials realize that this policy sometimes causes an inconvenience to parents, but liability and safety reasons demand that we strictly enforce it.
Visitors to School
Parents/Guardians and patrons of the Pleasant Hill R-III School District are welcome to visit district schools and attend district events; however, all visitors during business hours, including Board members, must sign or check in at the building office prior to proceeding elsewhere in the building. The district discourages parents/guardians or others from using district property or events as places for visiting students and may refuse the use of district property for that purpose. The Board and administration will not tolerate any person whose presence disturbs classes or district activities or hinders the instructional process. Visitors to district property may not possess weapons, including concealed weapons, on district property, on district transportation or at any district function or activity sponsored or sanctioned by the district unless the visitor is an authorized law enforcement official or is otherwise authorized by Board policy. Visitation schedules and parenting plans are agreements between parents and are not binding on the district. The district will release a student to either parent in accordance with Board policy unless otherwise directed by a valid court order.
Withdrawals and Transfers
Students withdrawing or transferring must have written parental permission and must pick up a transfer slip in the office. This slip must be signed by all teachers as well as the librarian and the principal. All books and materials must be returned and all fees paid before the slip is signed by the teacher. Pleasant Hill Administration is not authorized to send any permanent records to another school until all obligations are met in Pleasant Hill.
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High School Student Code of Conduct Acts That Result in Discipline Action
Principal Conference
Detention
In School Suspension
Academic Dishonesty Arson Assault Auto/Vehicle Misuse Bullying Bus Misconduct Classroom Disruption Dishonesty Disrespect/Disobedience Failure to Attend Detention Failure to Care for or Return District Property Failure to Follow Dress Code Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences False Alarms/ Bomb Threats Fighting Gambling Gang/Gang Related Behavior Harassment, including Sexual Harassment (Physical) Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment (Verbal) Hazing Incendiary Devices Nuisance Items Possession/Use of Fireworks Possession/ Use of Weapon as defined in JG-R5 under “Weapons,” #1 – Class 1 Possession/ Use of Weapon as defined in JG-R5 under “Weapons,” #2 – Class 2 Possession/ Use of Weapon as defined in JG-R5 under “Weapons,” #3 – Class 3 Possession/Use/ Sale of Drugs/Alcohol/Drug Paraphernalia or Imitation Drugs
X
X
X
X
X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X
X
X
X
X X X
X
X X X
1-10 days of Out of School Suspension
11-180 days of Out of School Suspension***
X X X Revocation of Parking Privilege X X X X X X X X X X X X
Expulsion
Notification of Law Enforcement
X X
X X
X X X
X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
Documentation in Student’s File X* X X X* X* X* X* X* X* X* X* X* X*
X X X
X X X
X X X X X
X
X
X
X
X
X X X X
X X X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
X X
X X
X X
X* X* X X* X*
X
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X
X*
X
X
X
X
X
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X* X* X* X* X* X*
Profanity/Demeaning Language Public Display of Affection Sexting and/or Possession of Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Materials Sexual Activity Technology Misconduct Theft/Extortion** Threats or Verbal Assault Tobacco/E-Cigarette Possession Tobacco/E-Cigarette Use Truancy or Tardiness Unauthorized Entry Vandalism** Violation of Medication Policy
* ** ***
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X
X
X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X
X X X X X X X X X X
X X X X
X
X X X X X X X X X
X X X
X X X
X
X
X X X X
X* X* X X X* X* X* X* X* X* X* X* X*
This action is possible but is not required by law to occur. Restitution is required at a value of damage. Any suspension above 180 days must occur by Board action.
NOTES: 1) All punishment is dependent on severity of action. 2) Students suspended will forfeit attending or participating in any school activity. 3) Some punishments are required by law but may be modified by the superintendent. Participation in Activities Students who are suspended or expelled for any reason are prohibited from attending or taking part in any district-sponsored activity regardless of location, or any activity that occurs on district property. Students who violate this provision will be required to leave the activity and may face further discipline, including an additional period of suspension or expulsion.
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PLEASANT HILL R-III SCHOOL DISTRICT Superintendent of Schools 318 Cedar Street Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 Phone (816) 540-3161
FAX (816) 540-5135
August 1, 2015
Dear Parents: Schools are required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to notify all building occupants about asbestos activities planned or in progress within their District. Every three years, we are required to perform a re-inspection of all asbestos-containing materials within the District. RTI Consultants performed this work for us in August of 2009. We continue to monitor the condition of the asbestos-containing materials within the District in our constant efforts to provide a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff, and visitors. A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is available in the office of each building and in the office of the Superintendent for your inspection. If you have any questions, please call Dr. John Griffith, Assistant Superintendent, at 816-540-3161. Best regards, Dr. Wesley Townsend Superintendent
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